English Reference
Adverb

cleverly

adv. manner
B1 Intermediate US /ˈkɫɛvɝɫi/ UK /klˈɛvəli/ clev·er·ly

adv.to do something in a smart or skillful way. You use this when someone finds a creative solution to a problem.

adv.in an intelligent, original, or skillful manner. Often describes the execution of a plan or the design of an object.


SIMPLE

She cleverly hid the gift where no one would find it.

CONTEXTUAL

The architect cleverly used mirrors to make the small apartment feel much more spacious.

COMPLEX

By cleverly weaving historical facts into her fictional narrative, the author managed to educate her readers without ever sounding academic or dry.

Usage

Typically placed before the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.


From clever + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated